WAUKESHA, Wis., April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Generac Power Systems, a leading designer and manufacturer of backup power generators and engine-powered tools, announced the introduction of the HomeLink 6500E, a revolutionary, all-inclusive, residential backup power kit.

The new HomeLink^™ 6500E is an affordable, safe, one-of-a-kind backup power solution that integrates an upgradeable transfer switch and a portable generator in one package. The kit enables homeowners to properly prepare for outages, with the ability to back up essential circuits using the portable generator – and easily upgrade to an automatic home backup generator in the future with the HomeLink upgradeable manual transfer switch.

Say goodbye to those frustrating hours spent without power, dragging out extension cords and potential backfeeding, and say hello to this easy-to-use, powerful backup power package.

The new 6500E portable generator is designed to provide residential backup power to essential circuits. When the 6500E isn't providing home backup power, it can be used to power recreation equipment, tools and more. It's equipped with an easy-to-use electric start and TruePower^™ technology, which delivers less than 5 percent total harmonic distortion (THD) for clean, smooth operation of sensitive electronics and appliances.

Other notable features include:

• Plug-in battery charger jack for easy charging
• Low-oil shutdown to safeguard the engine
• An hour meter for tracking maintenance intervals
• Covered outlets to protect the unit from environmental conditions

Included with the 6500E is the HomeLink upgradable manual transfer switch. With a push of a button, this versatile, innovative transfer switch allows homeowners to easily harness the power of their portable generator to power hardwired circuits in their home. And when homeowners decide to upgrade to an automatic home backup generator, HomeLink is designed to allow electricians to simply change out the subpanel, conveniently preparing the pre-wired switch for an automatic home generator to backup essential circuits (max 11 kW). This greatly reduces the typical installation cost of an automatic home generator because all the circuits have already been wired.

As with other Generac transfer switches, HomeLink is a pre-wired electrical device that is installed next to a home's utility panel. During an outage, it allows a backup generator to deliver power to hardwired appliances, such as a furnace, refrigerator or well pump. Power indicator lights show homeowners when they have utility power or generator power.

The HomeLink 6500E is available through Generac's network of over 5,000 authorized dealers. Click here to find the nearest dealer, or visit www.Generac.com.

About Generac (NYSE: GNRC)
Since 1959, Generac has been a leading designer and manufacturer of a wide range of generators and engine-powered products. Generac's power products are available through a broad network of independent dealers, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies. For more information on Generac and its product line, visit www.generac.com. Become a fan on Facebook and Google+, or follow Generac on Twitter @Generac.

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SOURCE Generac

Heather Gaedtke, Cramer-Krasselt Public Relations, 414-227-3505, hgaedtke@c-k.com; or Rachel Tracey, Generac Marketing Communications, 262-544-4811 ext. 2648, Rachel.Tracey@generac.com